This is the time of harvest, when crops produce their fruit, leaves fall in quantity from the trees, and our attitudes refocus on being grateful for all this provision. I saw this abundance illustrated in a HUGE pile of fallen leaves collected from the Cary Cemetery in Oakfield.  It  reminded me that our God is the LORD of abundance.  The Greek word, perisseuo, (pronounced perry-sue-oh), is used 55 times in the New Testament.  It is used to describe a flower that is going from a bud into full bloom.God showed this perisseuo when Jesus, using five loaves and two fish,  had his disciples distribute baskets to feed 5000 people AND ended up with 12 full baskets left over.  (Luke 9:17)Paul describes the hope we have as perisseuo, that is abounding in us because of the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Rom. 15:13.)Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever has, will more be given and they will have perisseuo.”  To paraphrase, I believe our Lord meant, “What you have will exceed your expectations.”  (Mat. 13:12).The Bible goes on to tell us that we will have perisseuo in our work, in our sufferings, in our comfort, in our generosity.   We will overflow with love and grace, gratitude and hope.At this time of Thanksgiving, meditate on 2 Cor. 8:7:  We excel, we perisseuo,  in EVERYTHING— in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in earnestness, and in love.  If you feel you are lacking, speak to God about this. He is the Master of Abundance, of perisseuo.  He blesses you abundantly, and lavishes grace upon you.If you don’t experience perisseuo, go to the mat with God and wrestle with him about your perceived lack.  It is likely that what you are asking for is not what is best for you. What you want is not what God wants for you. Remember, he died on the cross so that you might have an abundant life.